Fresno Domestic Violence Lawyer
Domestic violence is an epidemic that affects about 1.3 million women every year in every community and has no regard for age, race, religion, education, nationality, or economic status. It is a crime in which physical assault, battery, sexual assault, intimidation, or other abusive behavior is willfully used by one intimate partner against another. Fresno domestic violence and abuse results in physical injury, mental injury, and sometimes death. Because domestic violence is one of the most underreported crimes, any case that is brought in Fresno is prosecuted to its fullest extent.
Dangers of Domestic Violence
Physical injury is not the only result of domestic violence. Emotional and mental injury is also prevalent. The offender inflicts pain and suffering through verbal abuse and intimidation. Often, the offender threatens to do physical or bodily harm or withholds money in order to control the behavior of the victim.
This type of abuse scares the victim into staying with the abuser. The fear of bodily injury and the lack of money to support the victim’s separation from the abuser make it difficult for a victim to report domestic violence.
Unreported domestic violence escalates to even more severe physical and mental injuries for the victim and, in some cases, results in death. Almost one-third of all female homicide victims are killed by an intimate partner. And in cases of domestic homicide, regardless of which partner was killed, 70 to 80 percent of the time the woman was physically abused by the man before the murder.
Unfortunately, most domestic violence also affects children who are in the home. In fact, 30 to 60 percent of domestic abusers also abuse their children. Boys who hear or see domestic violence in their home are twice as likely to abuse their partners and children as adults.
Enforcing Domestic Violence Laws
California law treats domestic violence as a serious crime with penalties that include jail time and counseling programs. Fresno domestic violence attorneys represent clients in special courts that hear only domestic violence cases. The judges in these domestic violence courts are specialists in understanding the dynamics of the abuser and abused and seek to protect the abused through tough sentencing and rigorous rehabilitation programs. Our lawyers can help you and educate you about domestic voilence law and criminal laws in Fresno and throughout California.
Contact Us
Fresno domestic violence lawyers, Berman, have over 50 years of combined experience in representing those accused of domestic violence. We know how defendants and courts operate and can gather and protect evidence that is vital to proving your innocence.
